Welcome to GIS Online at UWF

Accredited, quality online Geographic Information Science education for novice and professional students. Offerings include Continuing Education Units, an Undergraduate or Graduate GIS Certificate and a Master of Science in Administration with Specialization in GIS Degree. We strive to meet the growing demands of industry by offering our students access to the latest geospatial technology, experienced instructors, and relevant spatial applications. Choose your path and apply today!

GIS Certificate

24 credit hour, one year program offered at both the undergraduate and graduate level with traditional and archaeology track options.

GIS Training Academy

Why Choose UWF GIS?

UWF has been providing a mix of hands-on software training with conceptual instruction from highly qualified GIS professionals since 2006. UWF is the first and only GIS certificate program currently employing remote desktop technology to give students full access to GIS software from any computer, at any time.

We are affordable: We offer courses at a lower per-credit-hour rate than other institutions while continuing to offer out-of-state tuition waivers.

We are convenient: Attend courses 100% online, on your own time, 24/7. Students access industry standard GIS software on a one of a kind remote desktop for GIS - (high-speed internet access required).

We are accredited: Experience up-to-date, quality GIS course content taught by qualified instructors. Learn more about the Quality Matters Program

We are in demand: People knowledgeable in GIS can expect to be increasingly in-demand in a variety of fields including energy, public health, urban planning, civil engineering, environmental science, archaeology and landscape architecture.

We are relevant: We immerse students in the GIS environment using real-world applications to teach GIS fundamentals.

We are committed: We prepare our students for post-certificate success in the GIS world through successful internships and real-world applications. Online GIS alumni have found jobs in both the private and government sector.

What is GIS (Geographic Information Systems)?

GIS is one of the fastest growing career fields in North America. A geographic information system is a computer based tool used to map, manage, analyze, display, and model spatial information. A GIS is a data management system capable of analyzing patterns and relationships between many layers of mapped data simultaneously. Advantages of a GIS compared with a traditional map are the ability of the user to quickly alter the display properties, modify or introduce new data, and manipulate analysis results by changing input parameters and modifying the assumptions. Visit http://www.esri.com/what-is-gis to find out more.

Who Uses GIS?

Thousands of organizations use this exciting technology to solve problems and streamline processes. GIS has applications in many fields, including environmental assessment, analysis of natural hazards, site analysis for business and industry, criminal justice, real estate, location analysis, resource management, land use planning, global change and systems modeling.

Whether you're beginner or a seasoned GIS professional in any of the 10 major industries identified by ESRI, our GIS courses can help you expand your knowledge and skill-set.

Why Study GIS?

Consider the increasing prevalence of geographic technology in everyday life. From location based services such as Google Maps to Global Positioning Systems, technology everywhere is becoming increasingly dependent on spatial information. Students in this program learn the science behind the creation and analysis of these spatial data.

With a growth rate estimated between 35 and 40 percent per year, the GIS job market lacks qualified and experienced professionals to help design, implement, operate and manage these G.I. Systems. In addition, the job descriptions of an increasing number of positions in both government agencies and private businesses are being rewritten to require employees to use GIS and related technologies. People knowledgeable in GIS can expect to be increasingly in-demand in a variety of fields including energy, public health, urban planning, civil engineering, environmental science, archaeology and landscape architecture.

"Across the country, tens of thousands of trained [geospatial] workers are needed to fill positions that are going begging." - Emily Stover DeRocco, Assistant Secretary, Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor